Overcoming Barriers to Nursing and Community Health Worker Education in Papua New Guinea: Challenges and Strategies

Background: Papua New Guinea (PNG) faces significant challenges in healthcare delivery and workforce development. Quality education for nurses and community health workers (CHWs) is crucial for strengthening the health system, especially public health. Aims: This study aimed to identify persistent barriers to teaching and learning in nursing and CHW schools in PNG and strategies to overcome them. The research builds on previous studies and incorporates recent findings on educators’ continuing professional development (CPD) needs. Methods: This study employed mixed methods, including surveys of 217 faculty members from 34 nursing and CHW schools, as well as qualitative feedback from nursing school principals. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The study also included a comparative analysis between the current findings and those from a 2013 baseline study. Results: The study identified several key barriers to improving nursing and CHW education. Technological challenges are pervasive, with limited internet access and a lack of adequate information technology severely constraining educational activities. Infrastructure deficits, including inadequate classroom spaces, insufficient clinical skills laboratories, and absence of up-to-date libraries, were also highlighted as significant issues. Financial constraints exacerbate these challenges, as inconsistent funding undermines the ability of schools to maintain resources and operate effectively. The study found that staff shortages and limited opportunities for professional development persist, with a decline in the proportion of faculty possessing formal teaching qualifications. 2 Despite challenges, schools are using innovative strategies to address these barriers. Partnerships with local organisations and health authorities have been instrumental in supporting educational initiatives. Schools have also engaged in resource-sharing arrangements to maximise available materials, particularly in clinical training, focusing increasingly on faculty development. CPD programs were recognised as essential for enhancing teaching quality and adapting to the evolving educational landscape. Conclusion: While efforts have been made to expand and strengthen nursing and CHW education in PNG, significant challenges related to technological, infrastructural, financial, and human resources remain. Addressing these challenges to support public health requires sustained coordinated efforts from multiple stakeholders, including systematic CPD programs to improve the quality of educators, crucial for the overall enhancement of nursing and CHW education in PNG.